Mesa State’s annual Grad Fair will be held Thursday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the West Ballroom of the College Center.
The event is an opportunity for graduating seniors to order their cap, gown and invitations in preparation for commencement. They can also order graduation accessories such as their class ring and diploma frame.
There will also be outside vendors present to provide information about catering services, hotel rentals, limo services, financial planners, insurance agents and other accommodations necessary for graduation, the accompanying graduation parties, and life after college.
“It’s more of a one-stop shopping kind of [event], to make sure you have all your stuff for graduation,” said Tracy Brodrick, general manager of the MSC Bookstore.
The fair is put on by the bookstore and the MSC Alumni Association. It usually draws in about 200 to 300 students. The staff hopes that putting the fair in the new College Center will help increase interest and bring attendance.
“This is the first year in the new ballroom. It’s the best location we’ve had yet,” Brodrick said. “We have high hopes for this year.”
In addition to information and product vendors, the fair will include prize drawings. The grand prize this year is a weekend in Las Vegas. The trip includes two round-trip tickets with Allegiant Air and accommodations in the Doubletree Hotel.
The other vendors have been asked to provide additional door prizes, including iPods and other free merchandise.
Besides information and prizes, the fair gives the Alumni Association a chance to personally welcome their new members.
Since membership is free, “anybody that graduates is automatically in the Alumni Association,” President of the Alumni Association Rick Adleman said. “This is more of a personal thing, an introduction to the association and a one-on-one [way of saying] welcome aboard.”
According to Adleman, the Alumni Association uses this opportunity to “make a connection with students before they get too busy with graduation.”
Representatives from the association will be present to greet seniors and give them information about the benefits of staying involved with the school as alumni.
While the fair is obviously geared towards graduating seniors, Brodrick encourages any interested student to stop by and “check things out.”
“It’s generally a lot of fun,” Brodrick said. “Everyone is excited to graduate.”

lrrussel@mesastate.edu